A car-pooling service will be launched in South Otago this week, which will encourage motorists to save money and the environment at the same time.
The Catlins and South Otago Car Pool service, which is known as Catch a Ride South Otago (Cars), will encourage motorists and prospective car-poolers to go online, advertise their routes and encourage others to join the journey.
Cars co-ordinator Diana Noonan said users could request a ride or offer one.
"When you share transport, you reduce the number of vehicles on the road and save money at the same time.
"That's good for the environment and good for you."
The website, which can be reached at the address, Catlins South Otago car-pooling, allows users to register for a one-off ride or to sign up for a car-pool service.
The one-off journeys could be for shopping trips, a weekend visit or a trip to the airport, Mrs Noonan said.
By logging on in advance and highlighting the dates and destinations, users had a better chance of matching up with someone else.
The same concept applied to car-pooling where travellers regularly coming and going from their place of work could look at sharing costs, Mrs Noonan said.
The service was "an exciting new environmental and community project", she said.
It gave residents the chance to reduce CO2 emissions, reduce travel costs and bring more visitors to the area.
Clutha Mayor Juno Hayes will officially launch the service in Balclutha on Wednesday, between 11.30am and 12.15pm, at Computer Solutions and Training Ltd in Clyde St.
